Ministers urged to act on US diplomat flown out over child abuse images
UK officials want diplomat accused of possessing indecent images of children to face investigation in England.
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British government ministers are facing calls to ensure a diplomat accused of possessing indecent images of children faces investigation in England. US authorities reportedly took the diplomat from his London residence to an American airbase and flew him out of the country last month, without prior notification to the Metropolitan Police.
Concerns over US jurisdiction
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American personnel do not possess powers of arrest within Britain, and no formal request for the diplomat's extradition was made. UK ministers are understood to be in communication with the US embassy regarding the incident, which could affect relations between the two nations.
The circumstances bear similarities to a previous case involving an American fighter pilot, reported by The Guardian. This pilot avoided trial under English law for strangling a woman in Cambridge while off-duty. He was instead tried by court martial at a US airbase, convicted of strangulation, and received a six-month jail sentence. He was acquitted of sexual assault and aggravated sexual contact charges.
Call for English court proceedings
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In a letter addressed to Justice Secretary Alex Norris, his Conservative counterpart Nick Timothy expressed concern that US actions might constitute a cover-up. Timothy stated that if offences were committed in the UK, the diplomat should face trial in an English court. He described the incident as part of a concerning pattern where US authorities prosecute American service personnel accused of offences against British civilians stationed in the UK.
These cases should have been investigated by the English police and prosecuted in our courts. I ask you to urgently explain what action you are taking to address this, and what will be done to ensure the accused diplomat faces a proper investigation in this country.
Nick Timothy, Conservative minister
Timothy's letter also referenced the case of US State Department employee Anne Sacoolas, who was involved in the fatal car crash that killed teenager Harry Dunn in 2019. Sacoolas left the UK shortly after the collision when the US asserted diplomatic immunity on her behalf. She later pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving at a virtual High Court hearing in December 2022 and received an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for a year.
Official statements
A spokesperson for the UK government declined to comment due to the ongoing US investigation. However, they stated that Britain expects all foreign diplomats to adhere to the law while in the UK, mirroring expectations for UK diplomats serving overseas. A spokesperson for the US embassy confirmed awareness of allegations concerning one of its staff and stated that all personnel are expected to maintain high standards of conduct. They added that UK law enforcement was informed promptly and swift action was taken, with ongoing cooperation with law enforcement partners. The individual has been reassigned to the United States in connection with the investigation, and the embassy has notified British authorities.
A spokesperson for the US State Department declined to provide specific details but indicated that the allegations are taken seriously. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed that on Tuesday 25 August, US authorities notified them of an investigation into suspected offences in London related to indecent images of children, and that liaison continues.
Questions this report answers
+What are US officials accused of doing?
US officials reportedly raided a diplomat's London flat and took him to a US airbase before flying him out of the country on 25 August. This occurred without prior notification to the Metropolitan Police, and the diplomat is accused of possessing indecent images of children.
+When did the Metropolitan Police learn about the investigation?
The Metropolitan Police were informed by US authorities on Tuesday 25 August about an investigation they were conducting. This investigation concerns suspected offences in London relating to indecent images of children, and police continue to liaise with US authorities on the matter.
+What action is being urged by UK ministers?
UK minister Nick Timothy has written to Justice Secretary Alex Norris urging him to ensure the diplomat faces investigation in England. Timothy expressed concern that US actions might represent a cover-up and stated that if offences were committed in the UK, the diplomat should face trial in an English court.
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